STvZO - what is it and why is it so important during a bicycle trip to Germany

People planning a bicycle trip to Germany or interested in local traffic regulations will meet the abbreviation STvZO. It is also extremely important for all people who live in Germany on a daily basis. Interestingly, this abbreviation can also be found on the packaging of bicycle lighting available in Polish stores. What does it mean and why is it gaining importance during our bicycle trip across the western border?

STvZO - what is it?

STvZO stands for Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung. This is a German regulation that regulates the rules for admitting vehicles to road traffic. Its records contain information on all common types of vehicles used in road traffic, including bicycles. Adaptation of bicycle lighting to the provisions of STvZO is the basis for moving on two wheels in Germany and a guarantee of increased safety for cyclists and other road users. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in unpleasant consequences and high financial penalties. The last changes to the German regulations regarding the necessary equipment of bicycles took place in April 2020, so it is worth getting acquainted with them.

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Basic provisions of STvZO regarding bicycle lighting

It is worth noting that Germany defines the type of bicycle lighting possible and the method of its assembly in the most detailed and precise way in Europe. This means that there is no room for even small modifications in the local legislation. Before a planned trip to Germany, it is worth reading these regulations carefully and checking whether the lighting of our bicycle meets them. If not, we must adjust them accordingly.

According to STvZO regulations, front and rear bicycle lamps must be powered by a 6V/3W generator. This requirement does not apply only to racing bikes weighing less than 11 kilograms, however, they must have lamps powered by a battery or batteries. In addition, it is unacceptable to use flashing lights after dark, which are only allowed in daytime driving conditions. This is a change compared to Polish regulations that allow flashing bicycle lights also at night. In Germany, both the white front light and the red rear light must be fixed. Another requirement is to keep the lamps clean and firmly attached to the bike. The STvZO regulations also clearly regulate the lighting arrangement. Under no circumstances should the beam of light dazzle other road users, therefore STvZO lamps should have the so-called cutoff.

The maximum power of the white front light is now 205 lumens (350 lumens according to the old measurement standards). Information about the power can be found on the manufacturer's packaging, which often informs about the compliance of the model with STvZO regulations. In the case of the rear light, it is important to mount it not higher than 60 centimeters and not lower than 25 centimeters above the road surface, so it cannot be mounted, for example, on a cyclist's helmet. In addition, lighting used in Germany must have a dedicated STvZO approval.

Required bicycle lighting - summary

It is worth mentioning in a few sentences all the necessary elements of bicycle lighting that are required in Germany by the STvZO regulation. Mandatory equipment includes:

reflective white lamp on the front (one piece);

reflective white or yellow lamps on the spokes, or reflective strips on the side of the tires (minimum two pieces);

yellow reflective lamps on the pedals (two pieces);

red light on the back of the bike (one piece).

Comparison of the STvZO lamp with the standard model

It is worth checking how STvZO lamps differ from standard models. Interesting conclusions can be drawn from the graphic below, where the first visualization shows a shaft of light falling in accordance with the requirements of these regulations. The other two pictures show a differently falling bicycle light, which can be found in cheaper models and in lamps without STvZO approval. The second picture shows a traditional bicycle light and the third picture shows a traditional bicycle light with the wrong setting. This is why they are not approved for use in Germany.

Source: http://www.light-test.info/pl/faq-pl/87-stvzo-lampki-przepisy (accessed February 15, 2022).

The above graphic shows a specific relationship in lamps with STvZO approval. They must provide a minimum illumination of the space 10 meters in front of the bicycle with a minimum power of 10 lumens per m2. At the same time, such light setting prevents the blinding effect of other road users, which increases their safety. In addition, in Poland you can use selective yellow lights, which is prohibited in Germany.

Can other bicycle lights be used in Germany?

Currently, bicycle lighting that does not comply with the provisions of the STvZO regulation and does not have a dedicated homologation cannot be used in Germany. Driving without proper lighting increases the discomfort and reduces the safety of road users, and can also be the basis for receiving fines and high fines in the event of a police check. These regulations apply to both moving along bicycle paths, parks and streets open to car traffic.

What penalties and consequences await us for incorrect bicycle lighting in Germany?

According to the provisions of the STvZO, there are fines for not having proper bicycle lighting in Germany. Their amount ranges from a dozen to several hundred euros, depending on how many deficiencies will be revealed during the police check and whether the lack of proper lighting was the cause of a possible accident or creating a road hazard. Therefore, you must not underestimate the provisions of STvZO and before starting a trip to Germany, you should carefully check the technical condition of the bike, and make the necessary corrections related to lighting.

Of course, fines can also be issued in Germany in other situations. Cyclists should be careful about running red lights, talking on a cell phone while riding, or using a flashing light after dark. All these offenses are punishable by fines ranging from several dozen to over one hundred euros, which can significantly reduce the cyclist's budget. It is also not very profitable to ride the wrong way or not to follow the designated bicycle paths.

Characteristics of good bicycle lighting

Good bicycle lighting is one that increases the safety and comfort of riding a cyclist, as well as the safety of other road users. It should allow for comfortable driving at night and be resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions. Therefore, you should choose only models from reputable manufacturers who guarantee compliance with stringent safety requirements, as well as the production of high-quality bicycle equipment.

The price of good lighting can be as high as several hundred zlotys, but we should not save on health and safety. If we buy cheap lamps, they can be unreliable and we will have to replace them quickly. More expensive models can be successfully used for many years, thanks to which the purchase is spread over the years. Currently, we can find dedicated markings on the packaging of bicycle lights in Poland. Among them there is also the approval of STvZO, thanks to which the lighting can be successfully used beyond our western border. If we are going to Germany on a bicycle trip, it is worth equipping ourselves with such models in advance, which will allow us to avoid unpleasantness and financial consequences in the future. Thanks to this, we will also take care of your safety.

STvZO protects cyclists

The latest amendments to the STvZO regulation of April 28, 2020 defended cyclists. According to the latest regulations, trucks and vans over 3.5 tons in built-up areas may not turn at a speed faster than 10 km / h. This provision increases the safety of cyclists during such a manoeuvre. In addition, two cyclists can ride side by side (not necessarily behind each other), if it does not interfere with road traffic. All drivers overtaking cyclists must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters in built-up areas and a minimum of 2 meters outside built-up areas. All these amendments were introduced to increase the comfort of cycling in Germany, so it is worth bearing them in mind during your trip. Ultimately, STvZO are not only obligations, but also rights for road users, including cyclists.

Bicycle lighting with STvZO

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